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Western TV shows have been on the rise lately. With the popularity of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, the genre has seen a revival. Known for its action-packed narratives and historical tales about legendary figures, the Western genre has now branched out to include sci-fi, crime drama, and immersive biographical and historical series. Here are some Western TV Shows that you can stream this year.
Outer Range, Billy the Kid, and other Western TV Shows to stream this year
1. American Primeval
Starring Betty Gilpin, Taylor Kitsch, and others, this Western miniseries is created and written by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg. The show is set in 1857, amidst the Utah war and focuses on the violent clashes between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the other cultures in the Utah Territory, as they fight to gain control of the American West. The show also centers around the events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. It portrays the dirty, violent, and brutal fight that occurred for the occupation of the frontier. It has received critical acclaim for its performances and its authentic portrayal of historical events. Known for its gritty and raw depiction, the show also focuses on sensitive topics like family loss and heartbreak. The characters have depth and nuance and the series is an interesting look at the historical events that have shaped modern society.
2. Godless
Created and directed by Scott Frank, this Western drama miniseries, stars Michelle Dockery, Merritt Wever, Kim Coates, and others. The show revolves around a young outlaw, Jack, who decides to run away from his authoritarian mentor, Frank (Jeff Daniels). On his journey, he ends up in a New Mexico town, called La Belle, which is populated and run almost entirely by women after a mining accident killed the majority of the men. The show is set in 1884 and received positive reviews for its women-led cast in a male-dominated genre. It focuses on Jack’s eventual bonding with the women of the town, who protect him from Frank. It is one of the few Western shows that challenges the gender roles set in the genre. The characterization is well-developed and the women of the show are strong and determined. The show has stunning cinematography as it captures the American wild west and has important themes of trauma and loss.
3. Yellowstone
Starring Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, and others, this neo-Western drama series is created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. One of the most popular Western shows in recent times, the series focuses on the Dutton family, which owns the largest ranch in Montana, known by the titular name. It has multi-layered and intertwining family drama as the family deals with threats from other ranch owners and developers. The show has multiple spin-offs and has been noted for its themes of family dynamics and reviving the Western genre. Costner plays the role of the patriarch of the family, who tries to keep his land away from the clutches of greedy businessmen. The show blends contemporary issues with some classic Western tropes, which keeps it fresh and relatable. Even though there are some graphic action scenes in the series, it portrays the raw reality of the Western landscape, making it one of the must-watch Western TV Shows.
4. Billy the Kid
Created by Michael Hirst and starring Tom Blyth, Eileen O’Higgins, Alex Roe, and others, this Western drama series revolves around the life of the famous outlaw and gunfighter of the American West, Billy the Kid. The show is set in the 19th century American Old West and has vast and sweeping panoramic views of the countryside. Blyth plays the role of the famous Western icon and the show covers his life, most important events, and the myth that grew around him. It has been appreciated for staying authentic to its source material and covering an important historical figure of the West. The show has high-octane action and gritty fights that make it a thrilling watch.
5. The English
Starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer and written and directed by Hugo Blick, this revisionist Western miniseries is set in 1890. The show revolves around an Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Blunt), who arrives in the American West, in search of the man who killed his son. On her way, she meets Eli Whipp (Spencer), who is an ex-cavalry scout and is on his way to claim a piece of land. The two soon realize that they have a shared history. The show was critically acclaimed and Blunt’s performance was appreciated. The series has some of the most stunning cinematography and has loads of scenic vistas and gritty action. As a revisionist look at the genre, the show deals with sensitive themes like love and loss and can portray them within the enthralling landscape of the show.
6. Outer Range
Created by Brian Watkins and starring Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Lewis Pullman, and others, this sci-fi neo-Western series is also critically acclaimed. The show features multiple plotlines. Brolin stars as Royal Abbott, who is a rancher in Wyoming and is fighting to keep his land and family together. However, tragedy strikes when their daughter-in-law, Rebecca, goes missing. Further, Abbott notices that a mysterious black void has appeared in his pasture after the arrival of a drifter called Autumn. Family tensions rise when a rival family, the Tillersons, try to capture Abbott’s land. The show is noted for its inventive inclusion of sci-fi in a Western genre series. Brolin and Poots’ performance were also applauded by critics. The show is a blend of family dynamics, mystery, and rivalry. It also has well-developed characters who are complex and layered.
7. Joe Pickett
Starring Michael Dorman, Julianna Guill, Paul Sparks, and others, this neo-Western crime drama series is based on the characters by novelist C.J. Box. The show revolves around Joe Pickett (Dorman), who is a game warden and relocates with his wife and daughter to Saddlestring, Wyoming, to look after the area surrounding the Yellowstone National Park. However, Pickett discovers the body of a poacher in his backyard and unravels a conspiracy involving the wealthy Scarlett family and his previous warden, who want the land for a pipeline deal. However, when a supposedly extinct species comes up on the grounds, the Scarlett family decides to remove anyone that comes in their way and Joe has to not only protect the wildlife but also his family. The show was acclaimed for its mystery, twists and turns, and use of crime in a Western series. Dorman’s performance was also praised and the show presents the fight between the traditional and modern ideologies.
8. Frontier
Created by Rob Blackie and Peter Blackie and starring Jason Momoa, Greg Byrk, and others, this Western historical drama and action-adventure series revolves around the North American fur trade that was going on in colonial Canada during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The show follows the character of Declan Harp (Momoa), who is half-Irish and half-Cree. He is an outlaw who wants to break the Hudson’s Bay Company’s rule over the fur trade in his native land. The show looks at important themes of corruption and destruction of local culture due to the industrialism of the businessmen. It offers a biting and sharp look at the exploitative practices that were going on within the Western landscapes of Canada and Momoa’s gritty performance elevates the show and the story. The series is unique as it focuses on the Canadian side of Western landscapes.
9. The Head of Joaquin Murrieta
Starring Juan Manuel Bernal as Joaquin Murrieta, along with Alejandro Speitzer and Emiliano Zurita, this Western Mexican action-adventure series is created by Mauricio Leiva-Cock and Diego Ramirez Schrempp. The show revolves around the life and adventures of Joaquin Murrieta, who was a famous Mexican bandit. The series focuses on the coming together of Murrieta and Joaquin Carrillo, as they join forces to face a common enemy. The show is set amidst the Gold Rush period when people in California were overtaken by greed for wealth and land. When the newly drawn border between Mexico and the US was created, the elements of a lawless war, an anger of the past, and a group of immigrants come together to create the myth of Joaquin Murrieta, who is also known as the Latin Robin Hood. The show is an insightful look at a Latin American legend.
10. Lawmen: Bass Reeves
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Created by Chad Feehan and starring David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Barry Pepper, and others, this Western miniseries is executively co-produced by Taylor Sheridan. It is about Bass Reeves, who was the first African American Deputy US Marshal, west of the Mississippi River. The show chronicles his life and the challenges he had to face regarding his race. The show received critical appreciation for tackling the issue of race in Western drama and is an insightful look at the life of people during that era. The thrilling exploits of Reeves are iconic and details his incredible life story through the determined portrayal of Oyelowo. The show blends raw procedurals, Western tropes, and biographical elements, to create an important story about an Old West hero. It is a thoughtful and intricate examination of the figure’s life and achievements.
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